Help me pick for our honeymoon?! Please.

[Julie521]

Hey everyone! was hoping some veterans could help me make some decisions on which restaurants are good for both food AND service. I am a waitress, so I am not crazy but appreciate a good server when I see one. When we go DH will be 30 and I will be 24. We will be on the DDP in September for 6 nights/7 days. So far, we have narrowed it down to these places:

ESPN Club
Big River Grille & Brewing Company
Beaches & Cream
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Beirgarten
Coral Reef
Le Cellier
Via Napoli
Planet Hollywood
Sci Fi Dine in Theatre
Moma Melrose's
50's Prime Time Cafe
Liberty Tree Tavern
Yak/Yeti
Whispering Canyon Cafe

My fiance is a very simple eater, doesn't like a TON of things, so I already went through the menus to choose what places would have things he would like. We don't plan on doing Cali Grill, which has been suggested lots of times. Thanks for everyone's help

 

[Must C Mickey]

While I haven't dined at all of your selections, we did enjoy our food and service experiences at Sci Fi Dine in Theatre, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Yak/Yeti and
Whispering Canyon Cafe (we had Cajun Chad & he was hilarious if you enjoy a waiter w/ a very dry sense of humor).

A few others that I've enjoyed food & service that aren't on your list are Kona Cafe, Ohana (both bfast & dinner were great experiences), Capt's Grill & Tony's Town Square.

Hope this helps.

 

[Quin]

ESPN Club Well, it's basically just a sports bar & grill
Big River Grille & Brewing Company Have not been, but it does not get stellar reviews. I believe it does not accept ADRs; first come first serve.
Beaches & Cream Nice for oop but I would not waste a TS meal credit; it's basically a great ice cream shoppe that also sells burgers.
Yachtsman Steakhouse Best of all your choices for both food & service. It is a Signature so it is priced accordingly and will cost you 2 TS credits even though you still don't get appetizers because you are only on the basic DDP
Beirgarten Food is very good. Service is good but it is a buffet, so you don't have that much interaction with your server.
Coral Reef Food is OK. Service is a little hit-or-miss. I think it has become such as 'must-do' for people wanting to entertain their kids with the aquariums that sometimes it gets a rushed or assembly-line-service feel.
Le Cellier Have not been, but note that at dinner it is also a Signature so costs 2 TS credits; dinner is just 1
Via Napoli Have not been.
Planet Hollywood Mass-market non-Disney chain. 'nuff said.
Sci Fi Dine in Theatre Food is not the best but is fun for what it is, and the atmosphere/experience is very cool. This is another place to consider stopping just for an ice cream sundae and paying oop.
Moma Melrose's Average to good on both food & service
50's Prime Time Cafe Food is good for basic homestyle. Service itself is themed; I would only recommend this one if you both want to play along.
Liberty Tree Tavern Love the food at lunch which is a regular menu. Dinner is just a big family-style platter.
Yak/Yeti I'd put this right behind Yachtsman both for food and service; major favorite of ours
Whispering Canyon Cafe Food is nothing special. Again, the big draw is the themed service. Great for 10 year old boys. I would think not so much for an adult couple.

I know you've been through the menus, but make sure you check Captain's Grill at the YC (first cousin to Yachtsman but only 1 TS credit instead of 2) and Turf Club at SSR. Both have what I would consider Basic American cuisine, pretty good food, and decent service. Both are a little off the beaten path so tend to be quieter and a bit more 'adult'.

 

[Julie521]

While I haven't dined at all of your selections, we did enjoy our food and service experiences at Sci Fi Dine in Theatre, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Yak/Yeti and
Whispering Canyon Cafe (we had Cajun Chad & he was hilarious if you enjoy a waiter w/ a very dry sense of humor).

A few others that I've enjoyed food & service that aren't on your list are Kona Cafe, Ohana (both bfast & dinner were great experiences), Capt's Grill & Tony's Town Square.

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much for the advice Yak/Yeti is definitely one i think we were going to try. Fiance was kind of excited about Sci Fi because he loves movies and the idea of how this dinner would be!

I know you've been through the menus, but make sure you check Captain's Grill at the YC (first cousin to Yachtsman but only 1 TS credit instead of 2) and Turf Club at SSR. Both have what I would consider Basic American cuisine, pretty good food, and decent service. Both are a little off the beaten path so tend to be quieter and a bit more 'adult'.

I will have to check these out!! Thank you for going through each one! I appreciate it. I think ESPN is one we were going to do, not sure. I know its just a bar type place but that is something we both love. Captain's Grill sounds good since its only 1 TS instead of 2. Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Julie521]

any other opinions on these?? Please. I could use all the help I can get

 

[MNDisneyChick]

The ESPN club is actually pretty good. I ate there in Feb. and it was good.

The food at 50's Prime Time is good but I hate the server interaction. I find it obnoxious and annoying. I think Whispering Canyon Cafe is the same.

I also really like Beaches & Cream, Yachtsman, Biergarten, Le Cellier, Yak/Yeti. If it were me, I'd swap Mama Melrose with Brown Derby. Brown Derby is my favorite at DHS.

We are also late 20's age group.

 

[Julie521]

The ESPN club is actually pretty good. I ate there in Feb. and it was good.

The food at 50's Prime Time is good but I hate the server interaction. I find it obnoxious and annoying. I think Whispering Canyon Cafe is the same.

I also really like Beaches & Cream, Yachtsman, Biergarten, Le Cellier, Yak/Yeti. If it were me, I'd swap Mama Melrose with Brown Derby. Brown Derby is my favorite at DHS.

We are also late 20's age group.

What is 50's like? Have you ever heard of Dicks Last Resort? Thinking maybe it is like that. Thanks for advice on the ones you like! Do you think it works to go to a park during the day, but a different one for dinner? WE have a park hopper on our tickets so I don't want to be tied down to eating at whatever park we are at that day.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Hey everyone! was hoping some veterans could help me make some decisions on which restaurants are good for both food AND service. I am a waitress, so I am not crazy but appreciate a good server when I see one. When we go DH will be 30 and I will be 24. We will be on the DDP in September for 6 nights/7 days. So far, we have narrowed it down to these places:

ESPN Club
Big River Grille & Brewing Company
Beaches & Cream
Yachtsman Steakhouse [Loved this place]
Beirgarten
Coral Reef [ my DH favorite eating place!!]
Le Cellier [My favorite eating place!]
Via Napoli
Planet Hollywood [I give it a ok food wise]
Sci Fi Dine in Theatre [ trying it our first time in Dec]
Moma Melrose's
50's Prime Time Cafe
Liberty Tree Tavern
Yak/Yeti [ Love it!!]
Whispering Canyon Cafe

My fiance is a very simple eater, doesn't like a TON of things, so I already went through the menus to choose what places would have things he would like. We don't plan on doing Cali Grill, which has been suggested lots of times. Thanks for everyone's help

We aren't fancy eaters either. Love some good food & great service. Tops on our list each time is: LeCellier, Coral reef, Ohana for supper, & Yachtmann's.

 

[Julie521]

We aren't fancy eaters either. Love some good food & great service. Tops on our list each time is: LeCellier, Coral reef, Ohana for supper, & Yachtmann's.

Thank you! I have heard such mixed reactions about Coral Reef. I had thought it looked great since the get-go but now i'm having second thoughts.

 

[jimandami]

Here are my opinions on a few (34 year-old simple eater):

I actually like both ESPN and Big River Grille. Yes, they are simple bar food but I like the atmosphere at both and love the Boardwalk area.

50s Prime-time is pretty good (the fried chicken is yummy), but no, the interaction is not like Dick's Last Resort...it is much more tame and in my opinion, can be a little forced unless you have someone who is really into it.

DH and I liked Le Cellier but it is not worth 2 credits...if you want to eat there, go for lunch. As for other Epcot restaurants we like, Coral Reef was not too bad and we like both San Angel Inn and La Hacienda (we are big Mexican fans though).

I would definitely not waste a TS credit on Planet Hollywood. At DD, we like Wolfgang Puck's, Paradiso 37, and House of Blues better. HOB actually has a pretty good happy hour twice a day so you could look into that.

You can definitely eat at a different resort or park for dinner than you plan to visit during the day, especially with just the 2 of you. We often hit a park in the AM, then to the resort to relax/swim, and then somewhere else for dinner.

 

[Julie521]

Here are my opinions on a few (34 year-old simple eater):

I actually like both ESPN and Big River Grille. Yes, they are simple bar food but I like the atmosphere at both and love the Boardwalk area.

50s Prime-time is pretty good (the fried chicken is yummy), but no, the interaction is not like Dick's Last Resort...it is much more tame and in my opinion, can be a little forced unless you have someone who is really into it.

DH and I liked Le Cellier but it is not worth 2 credits...if you want to eat there, go for lunch. As for other Epcot restaurants we like, Coral Reef was not too bad and we like both San Angel Inn and La Hacienda (we are big Mexican fans though).

I would definitely not waste a TS credit on Planet Hollywood. At DD, we like Wolfgang Puck's, Paradiso 37, and House of Blues better. HOB actually has a pretty good happy hour twice a day so you could look into that.

You can definitely eat at a different resort or park for dinner than you plan to visit during the day, especially with just the 2 of you. We often hit a park in the AM, then to the resort to relax/swim, and then somewhere else for dinner.

I think ESPN is going to be on the list. We are going to pick a night when the Red Sox are playing and hopefully catch that there! I don't know if i could do the 50's PT. Being a server I don't get too much into that kind of "showyness" i guess you could say. Happy hour you say? Sounds good to me! Is HOB on the DDP?? Your plan sounds like something we will do! We aren't going and have to hit every single ride, so that would work for us as well.

 

[Julie521]

I would definitely not waste a TS credit on Planet Hollywood. At DD, we like Wolfgang Puck's, Paradiso 37, and House of Blues better. HOB actually has a pretty good happy hour twice a day so you could look into that.

NEVERMIND! Got my answer on HOB's

 

[jimandami]

It is not on the dining plan, but you could always go in the afternoon (first happy hour 3-5 PM) for drinks and an appetizer...the happy hour includes $2 beer and 1/2 price apps and then go somewhere else for dinner. The other happy hour is from 10 PM to close.

On a side note, when we went for a week by ourselves this February, DH and I counted that in 7 days, we only did 10 attractions. We had a fabulous time just wandering around the world (Boardwalk, Epcot, DTD) eating and drinking and just relaxing. On our first adults only trip, we tried to see and do as much as possible and we were just exhausted!! This one was much, much better. Oh, and don't anyone feel too sorry for our kiddos...our DS7 is going on his 5th trip this November so they aren't deprived! Anyway, congrats on your wedding and I hope you have a fabulous honeymoon!

Oh, I forgot, I liked the food at WCC but DH didn't....he is really picky about his meat and he thought it was dry and lacked flavor...I enjoyed it. One other recommendation would be Boma....I know you said your DF doesn't like "different" food and honestly, neither do I but I really enjoyed Boma and AKL is fabulous!

 

[Julie521]

It is not on the dining plan, but you could always go in the afternoon (first happy hour 3-5 PM) for drinks and an appetizer...the happy hour includes $2 beer and 1/2 price apps and then go somewhere else for dinner. The other happy hour is from 10 PM to close.

On a side note, when we went for a week by ourselves this February, DH and I counted that in 7 days, we only did 10 attractions. We had a fabulous time just wandering around the world (Boardwalk, Epcot, DTD) eating and drinking and just relaxing. On our first adults only trip, we tried to see and do as much as possible and we were just exhausted!! This one was much, much better. Oh, and don't anyone feel too sorry for our kiddos...our DS7 is going on his 5th trip this November so they aren't deprived! Anyway, congrats on your wedding and I hope you have a fabulous honeymoon!

Oh, I forgot, I liked the food at WCC but DH didn't....he is really picky about his meat and he thought it was dry and lacked flavor...I enjoyed it. One other recommendation would be Boma....I know you said your DF doesn't like "different" food and honestly, neither do I but I really enjoyed Boma and AKL is fabulous!

That sounds fantastic! Just wandering and relaxing and enjoying our time together. WE have only had one vacation together in a little over 2 years, and we will be getting married right after our 3 year anniversary. We won't get a real vacation so this will only be our 2nd real vacation. He has never been to Disney, so not matter what we do, I know we will have a good time! Thanks for all your advice, I truely appreciate it. I'll have a drink for you during happy hour!

 

[Jenna319]

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I am 29 and also honeymooned in Disney. Must dos for us - oHana for dinner, kona cafe for breakfast, jiko at AKL (we are not adventurous eaters at all but Jikos filet is to die for!), Paradiso 37, le cellier. Places that are just ok - cali grill atmosphere is top notch but the food did not impress us, 1900 park fare (eh much prefer chef Mickey or cape may for characters), sci-fi- atmosphere awesome but your choice is usually a high-priced mediocre burger, yachtsmans - still prefer Jikos filet but I'm giving this one another try next month! Love the beach club!!! Restaurants we won't return to - boma - many people will rave about this one but not being adventurous, we just didn't care for this place at all. Maya grill at csr- yuck! Stay far away! I love chefs de France, my husband does not. They have a wonderful lunch special 3 courses and very romantic! My husband loves marrakesh, I hated it. I think he just enjoys the belly dancer! Coral reef has a great atmosphere, food was mediocre. Counter service must dos every trip are Wolfgang puck express and Earl of sandwich! Hope this helps! Keep in mind these are just my opinions and everyone has different tastes. In the end it doesn't mather where u eat - you're in Disney! Everything is great!

 

[THicks863]

Well, first off, CONGRATS on your wedding! My DW and I also honeymooned there, and it was an experience of a lifetime. Want to make it really special? Be a little bit "out there" in terms of sporting the Mickey-ears top hat / veil, the "Just Married" buttons that you can get at your hotel's front desk, and anything else that helps the Dis staff recognize you. They really do love to go out of their way to make things extra-special for you.

ESPN Club - Not bad if you like a sports bar environment, but don't expect any food you couldn't otherwise get at any pedestrian sports bar.

Big River Grille & Brewing Company - on the Boardwalk. I would forego this in favor of Kouzzina's. The menu is created by none other than Iron Chef Kat Cora.

Beaches & Cream - Great ice cream, but don't waste your time on anything else.

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Superb food, especially for a hotel restaurant. I would do either Yachtsman or Le Cellier, but not two steak houses in the same visit.

Beirgarten - I'm not particularly crazy about German cuisine, but a fabulous place to grab a brat for lunch, and a nice, tall, cold beer from the neighboring beer stand.

Coral Reef - Located by the aquarium. I hear they serve the "slow swimmers". Seriously, though, not the best seafood you ever had.

Via Napoli - counter service Italian (now called "Thazza Pizza"). Better food to be had at the table service restaurant Tutto Italia.

Planet Hollywood - Kitschy, and not in a good way. Pass this one by.

Sci Fi Dine in Theatre - overall some of the best food in the whole four-park area. The environment is fun and a great break from the heat of the day. Also good for counter service, in that area, is the ABC Commissary. Their Chicken Curry is surprisingly good.

Moma Melrose's - Character dining, so expect lots of kids. The food isn't bad.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Now I kind of like this place, personally. The meat loaf is killer, and the recipe is in the DW cook book, too. The wait staff are supposed to treat you like you're just one of the family, so yes, it's a bit irreverent. If you think eating off of melmac dishes watching 50's TV re-runs might be kind of fun, give it a try. There are worse places.

Liberty Tree Tavern - If memory serves, we walked out of the place because the service was so bad.

Yak/Yeti - imho, great for lunch. For dinner in AK, try Tusker House. Otherwise, go over to the AK Lodge and try Jikos for better African cuisine.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - Very good food, but you go to the Wilderness Lodge for it.

Other places you should really consider:
The Wave (Contemporary) - not as highly touted as Chef Mickey's, but the food is really good.
Marrakesh (EPCOT) - Moroccan food that I really enjoy. Of course, the belly dancer show doesn't hurt, either.
Bistro de Paris (EPCOT) - upstairs from Les Chefs de France. Both are good, but Les Chefs will be more crowded.
Cinderella's Royal Table - This was our first dinner on our honeymoon, and BOY, did we get the special attention. The Fairy Godmother came over and spoke to us, and the waitress gave us a gift of etched champagne glasses. Remember, the MK does not serve alcohol, so this was truly unusual and special.
Brown Derby - If you go here, call ahead and ask for the "special package". It will cost a little extra, but it's an extra nice experience.
San Angel - Now I love Mexican food. This is not the best I've ever had, but the overall experience and environment is amazing. While you're in the Mexico pavilion, sample a margarita at my favorite hangout, La Cava del Tequila. Don't be afraid of the avocado margarita, it actually tastes sort of like strawberry banana.

Most importantly - and I mean this sincerely - DON'T try to do everything possible at DW during your honeymoon. I can assure you that it will be only the first of (hopefully) many experiences there that you'll want to have with your DH!

 

[cbg1027]

Of the places you mentioned that I've been to, here are my thoughts:

Coral Reef - not sure I'd return here. Lackluster service, excellent app, poor entrees. Just didn't do much for me.

Le Cellier - Good food and good service, but the steaks aren't anything special (like an Outback or Longhorn quality). I liked all the other things I ate there though, so I would return.

Via Napoli - My favorite on your list. The pizza is amazing, but it's Naples Italy style, so don't go expecting NY style. It's a different taste, but they do a great job on making it really authentic. The service I had there was very good.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Fun place! I had good service and the BEST milkshake of my life! Fried Chicken was pretty darn good, but sides were just meh. Definitely worth going to though!

Yak/Yeti - Love it here! I usually have great service. Love the apps and entrees but don't care much for any of the desserts. Neat atmosphere, very immersive decor.

 

[Julie521]

Well, first off, CONGRATS on your wedding! My DW and I also honeymooned there, and it was an experience of a lifetime. Want to make it really special? Be a little bit "out there" in terms of sporting the Mickey-ears top hat / veil, the "Just Married" buttons that you can get at your hotel's front desk, and anything else that helps the Dis staff recognize you. They really do love to go out of their way to make things extra-special for you.

Thank you so much!! WE cannot wait. I have heard that the Just Married buttons no longer exist, but we will see!!! Thanks for all your advice. I think i would be lost without these threads and everyones help! Going to have to go through them with DH and see what he thinks.

Of the places you mentioned that I've been to, here are my thoughts:

Coral Reef - not sure I'd return here. Lackluster service, excellent app, poor entrees. Just didn't do much for me.

Le Cellier - Good food and good service, but the steaks aren't anything special (like an Outback or Longhorn quality). I liked all the other things I ate there though, so I would return.

Via Napoli - My favorite on your list. The pizza is amazing, but it's Naples Italy style, so don't go expecting NY style. It's a different taste, but they do a great job on making it really authentic. The service I had there was very good.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Fun place! I had good service and the BEST milkshake of my life! Fried Chicken was pretty darn good, but sides were just meh. Definitely worth going to though!

Yak/Yeti - Love it here! I usually have great service. Love the apps and entrees but don't care much for any of the desserts. Neat atmosphere, very immersive decor.

Thank you! I think the two that are official are ESPN and Yak/Yeti. Going to have to go through what people think and see what DH wants to do for our other choices.

 

[Julie521]

bump

 

[poohbear227]

Beaches & Cream: Love it here and I think it's a great place for lunch for a hondeymoon. FYI-they do not take reservations, so plan to get there either mid afternoon or right when they open.
Biergarten: Love it here! Great band as well!
Via Napoli: Haven't tried it yet, but it gets great reviews!
Sci Fi Dine in Theatre: Really cool theming-you will have a great time here!
50's Prime Time Cafe: We go here every trip-it's alot of fun and great food!
Liberty Tree Tavern: Lunch is fantastic


I also wanted to suggest:
Kona Cafe-best breakfast ever
Artist's Point or Narcoosees-very romantic atmospheres
San Angel Inn-again, very romantic atmosphere